(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is pleased to announce the release of its Long-Range Plan for public review and comment. This comprehensive plan outlines a 20 year vision for the future of Alaska’s marine transportation network to meet the evolving needs of Alaska’s coastal communities.

The public may review the plan and submit comments at https://publicinput.com/i56446 through Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Additionally, members of the public are invited to a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, March 19, at 12 p.m. to hear an overview of the plan. Information on how to join the webinar is available at https://publicinput.com/i56446.

Key focus areas of the AMHS Long-Range Plan are:

1. Providing Safe, Reliable Service to Connect Alaska’s Communities
   With our continued focus on service levels, we strive to support economic and social ties between Alaska’s diverse communities.
2. Updating the Marine Highway Fleet and Terminal Assets for Resiliency and Standardization
   Recognizing the need for modern and resilient service and infrastructure, the plan calls out the need to continue our investment progress in both the fleet and terminal facilities. We are on a track to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and ensure AMHS assets can withstand Alaska’s unique environmental challenges.
3. Continue Building and Supporting a Skilled, Reliable Workforce
   A strong workforce is essential for maintaining high service standards. The Long-Range Plan builds on our current initiatives for workforce development, training, and retention to equip employees with the skills needed to meet both current and future maritime transportation demands.
4. Promoting Financial Efficiency and Sustainability
   Fiscal responsibility is critical to the long-term success of AMHS through continued innovative budgeting strategies, cost-saving measures, and sustainable practices.

“We are excited to unveil this forward-looking Long-Range Plan, which reaffirms our commitment to safety and reliability while paving the way for a more modern and financially sustainable marine highway system,” said Craig Tornga, AMHS Marine Director. “We invite community members, business leaders, public officials, and other stakeholders to review the plan and share their feedback to help shape the future of transportation in Alaska.”

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The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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